Recyclable ceramic catalyst filter, filtering system including the same, and method of managing the filtering system

ABSTRACT

A recyclable ceramic catalyst filter, a filtering system including the same, and a method of managing the filtering system are provided. The ceramic catalyst filter has a monolithic structure including a first surface which blocks a first material; and a second surface which removes a second material that passed through the first surface, where the second surface is activated and operates as a catalyst layer which removes the second material in response to energy supplied to the second surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No.10-2019-0121746, filed on Oct. 1, 2019, and all the benefits accruingtherefrom under 35 U.S.C. § 119, the content of which in its entirety isherein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

The present disclosure relates to a filter, and more particularly, to arecyclable ceramic catalyst filter, a filtering system including thesame, and a method of managing the filtering system.

2. Description of the Related Art

A Filter against fine dust is manufactured by using a melt blowntechnique, woven into glass fibers or plastics, or manufactured in anonwoven form. Such a filter is classified and used for medium, highefficiency particulate air (“HEPA”) or ultra low particulate air(“ULPA”) according to their performance. Also, the filters filtrate avolatile organic compound (“VOC”) along with fine dust particles througha deodorizing filter that adsorbs (deodorizes) the compound andparticles by using carbon-based materials such as activated carbon.Currently, these filters are optionally used in air purifiers,thermal-exchange fans, or air conditioning systems in buildings.Although the performance varies depending on the filter, a HEPA filterexhibits excellent performance of filtering 0.3 micrometers (μm)-sizedfine dust particles up to 99.97% by adsorption.

SUMMARY

Provided is a recyclable ceramic catalyst filter that is re-usable.

Provided is a ceramic catalyst filter that is capable of simultaneouslyfiltrating a particle material and a gas material by using one filter.

Provided is a filtering system including the catalyst filter.

Provided is a method of managing the filtering system.

Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description whichfollows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may belearned by practice of the presented embodiments.

According to an aspect of an embodiment, a catalyst filter includes amonolithic structure having a first surface which blocks a firstmaterial; and a second surface which removes a second material passingthrough the first surface, where the second surface is a part that isactivated and functions as a catalyst layer which removes the secondmaterial in response to energy supplied to the second surface.

The monolithic structure may be porous. Also, an entirety of themonolithic structure may include the same catalyst material.

The first and second surfaces may each include surfaces that arevertically or horizontally parallel to each other with respect to a sideof the catalyst filter through which the first and second materialsenter.

The second surface may further include a second catalyst layer.

The monolithic structure may include a plurality of first grooves havingan inlet at a side where the first and second materials enter; and aplurality of second grooves having an inlet at a side where the secondmaterial is discharged.

The first material may include micro-dust (e.g., fine dust), and thesecond material may include a volatile organic compound (VOC).

The catalyst material may be a photo-catalyst material. In this case,the second surface may be activated by an optical energy.

The catalyst material may be an electric catalyst material. In thiscase, the second surface may be activated by an electric energy. Thecatalyst material may be an ion catalyst material. In this case, thesecond surface may be activated by an ion energy. The catalyst materialmay be a thermal catalyst material. In this case, the second surface maybe activated by a thermal energy. The catalyst material may be a metalcompound.

The second catalyst layer may be a catalyst layer that is activated by afirst type of energy different from a second type of the energy that isirradiated to the second surface.

A bottom surface of the second groove may be located between the inletsof the first grooves, and a bottom surface of the first groove may belocated between the inlets of the second grooves. An inlet area of thefirst groove and a bottom area of the second groove may be differentfrom each other. An air-permeability of the bottom surface of the firstgroove and an air-permeability of the bottom surface of the secondgroove may be different from each other. A bottom surface of the firstgroove may have a configuration that blocks the second material. An areaof the inlet of the second groove may be larger than an area of thebottom surface of the first groove. An area of the inlet of the secondgroove and an area of the bottom surface of the first groove may be thesame. A diameter of the first groove may decrease toward the bottomsurface from the inlet of the first groove. A diameter of the secondgroove may decrease toward the bottom surface from the inlet of thesecond groove. A wall between the first groove and the second groove mayhave an air-permeability and allow the second material to penetratethrough the wall. The first and second grooves may each be in the formof a wedge. The air-permeability may be uniform throughout an entiretyof the wall or may differ along a predetermined direction in the wall.

According to an aspect of another embodiment, a filtering systemincluding a recyclable ceramic catalyst filter includes the recyclableceramic catalyst filter according to an embodiment and an energy supplydevice which supplies energy for catalyst activation of the catalystfilter.

The energy supply device may include an optical energy source, anelectric energy source, an ion energy source, or a thermal energysource.

The energy supply device may be formed to supply two types of energiesselected from an optical energy, an electric energy, an ion energy, anda thermal energy.

According to an aspect of another embodiment, a method of managing afiltering system includes: activating one surface of the catalyst filterto a catalyst layer to operate as a catalyst layer; separating andwashing the catalyst filter based on determination that the catalystfilter reaches a first condition; and disposing the washed catalystfilter to the original location.

The activating of the one surface of the catalyst filter may includesupplying energy to the one surface. The first condition may include acondition that a pressure difference in predetermined two points of thecatalyst filter is at least 250 about pascals (Pa). The supplying of theenergy to the one surface may include one or two processes selectedfrom: supplying an optical energy to the one surface; supplying anelectric energy to the one surface; supplying an ion energy to the onesurface; and supplying a thermal energy to the one surface.

In one embodiment, the second catalyst layer may be further included onthe one surface. Here, the second catalyst layer may be activated byusing a method different from that activating the one surface of thecatalyst filter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certainembodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a ceramic catalyst filter (a firstcatalyst filter) according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2A is a front view (view from an air inlet surface) of anembodiment of the ceramic catalyst filter of FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B isanother front view of the ceramic catalyst filter of FIG. 1, emphasizingthickness of side walls;

FIG. 3 is a rear view (view from a gas discharge surface) of anembodiment of the ceramic catalyst filter of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4′ of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are enlarged cross-sectional views of embodiments of afirst part A1 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a front view of an air inlet surface of a ceramic catalystfilter (a second catalyst filter) according to another embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8′ of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of FIG. 8,showing a ceramic catalyst filter according to another embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a filtering system including theceramic catalyst filter according to an embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the filtering system including theceramic catalyst filter according to another embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the filtering system including theceramic catalyst filter according to another embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a front view showing a configuration when a circumference ofthe ceramic catalyst filter according to an embodiment is surrounded orcovered with a heating member;

FIG. 14 is a front view showing a configuration when a circumference ofthe ceramic catalyst filter according to another embodiment issurrounded or covered with a heating member;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a case when electric energy issupplied to the ceramic catalyst filter according to an embodiment, thatis a case when a catalyst layer is formed on the ceramic catalyst filterby using an electric method;

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a case when electric energy is supplied tothe ceramic catalyst filter according to another embodiment, that is acase when a catalyst layer is formed on the ceramic catalyst filter byusing an electric method;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a filtering system including aceramic catalyst filter according to another embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing steps of a method of managing a filteringsystem including the ceramic catalyst filter according to an embodiment;and

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing steps of a method of managing a filteringsystem including the ceramic catalyst filter according to anotherembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of whichare illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like referencenumerals refer to like elements throughout. In this regard, the presentembodiments may have different forms and should not be construed asbeing limited to the descriptions set forth herein. Accordingly, theembodiments are merely described below, by referring to the figures, toexplain aspects. The terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only and is not intended to belimiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms, including “at least one,” unlessthe content clearly indicates otherwise. “At least one” is not to beconstrued as limiting “a” or “an.” “Or” means “and/or.” As used herein,the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more ofthe associated listed items. It will be further understood that theterms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” or “includes” and/or “including”when used in this specification, specify the presence of statedfeatures, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/orcomponents, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or moreother features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood that when anelement is referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directlyon the other element or intervening elements may be presenttherebetween. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being“directly on” another element, there are no intervening elementspresent. It will be understood that, although the terms “first,”“second,” “third” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements,components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components,regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms.These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region,layer or section from another element, component, region, layer orsection. Thus, “a first element,” “component,” “region,” “layer” or“section” discussed below could be termed a second element, component,region, layer or section without departing from the teachings herein.

Hereinafter, a recyclable ceramic catalyst filter according to anembodiment, a filtering system including the same, and a method ofmanaging the filtering system will be described in detail with referenceto the attached drawings. In the drawings, the thickness of layers orregions may be exaggerated for clarity.

Here, catalyst filters used herein may be one possible means forpurifying air. Also, the catalyst filters used herein may one of membersfiltering or removing materials that are noxious or can be harmful tohumans from air. The catalyst filters used herein may be one of membersdischarging relatively clean material, for example, fluid than that onthe side of an inlet. The material may be a gas including particles orparticulate components.

First, a recyclable ceramic catalyst filter (also, referred to as “firstcatalyst filter”) will be described.

Referring to FIG. 1, a first catalyst filter 100 includes an air inletsurface through which a material 130 enters and a gas discharge surfacethrough which a gas 140 is discharged. The discharge surface is oppositeto the inlet surface in Y-axis direction. The material 130 may includeat least two materials that need to be filtered or removed. For example,the material 130 may include a particulate first material and a gaseoussecond material. The first catalyst filter 100 may have a predeterminedthickness T1 in a direction (i.e., Y-axis direction). Y-axis directionis a direction to which the gas 140 generated as a result of a catalystreaction between the first catalyst filter 100 and a part of thematerial 130 is discharged. The first catalyst filter 100 defines aplurality of first grooves 110. Each of the first grooves 110 has aninlet at a side (i.e., the inlet surface) where the material 130 entersand a bottom surface 110B (see FIG. 4) at a side opposite to the inletin the Y-axis direction. Here, the bottom surface of the groove isdefined as an inner end of the groove opposite to an open end of thegroove. The material 130 enters the first catalyst filter 100 throughthe inlets of the plurality of first grooves 110. The plurality of firstgrooves 110 is arranged at regular intervals. The plurality of firstgrooves 110 may be arranged in parallel to each other. The firstcatalyst filter 100 includes a plurality of first surfaces 120S at aside (i.e., the air inlet surface) where the material 130 enters. Theplurality of first surfaces 120S is arranged at regular intervals. Thefirst surfaces 120S are arranged between the first grooves 110. That is,the first surfaces 120S and the first grooves 110 are alternativelyarranged in both horizontal (i.e., X-axis direction) and vertical (i.e.,Z-axis direction) directions as shown in FIG. 2. One of the firstgrooves 110 may be surrounded by four first surfaces 120S, and one ofthe first surfaces 120S may be surrounded by four first grooves 110.

FIG. 2A is a front view of an embodiment of the first catalyst filter100 of FIG. 1. That is, FIG. 2A is a view from an air inlet surface ofthe first catalyst filter 100. FIG. 2B is another front view of theceramic catalyst filter of FIG. 1, exaggerating the thickness of theside walls of the first grooves 110 for clarity.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a back surface, that is, a gas dischargesurface of the first catalyst filter 100.

Referring to FIG. 3, the first catalyst filter 100 includes a pluralityof second grooves 120 and a plurality of second surfaces 110S at a side(i.e., the gas discharge surface) where a gas is discharged. Theplurality of second grooves 120 may be an outlet, that is, a dischargeport through which a gas flows out. The gas discharged through theplurality of second grooves 120 may be a relatively clean or innoxiousgas as a product of filtering a harmful material or impurities from thematerial 130 that enters through the plurality of first grooves 110 ormay include this gas and the air. The plurality of second grooves isarranged at regular intervals. The plurality of second surfaces 110S isalso arranged at regular intervals. An arrangement relation between theplurality of second grooves 120 and the plurality of second surfaces110S may follow an arrangement relation between the plurality of firstgrooves 110 and the plurality of first surfaces 120S. The plurality ofsecond surfaces 110S corresponds to the first grooves 110, and theplurality of second grooves 120 corresponds to the plurality of firstsurfaces 120S.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2B taken along line 4-4′.

The first catalyst filter 100 may be a monolithic structure or a singlebody frame. The first catalyst filter 100 as a whole may have a frameformed of or include the same material (e.g., a catalyst material). Thefirst catalyst filter 100 is a single body but will be divided into ahorizontal part and a vertical part for convenience of description.

Referring to FIG. 4, the first catalyst filter 100 may be a structurehaving a frame in which the plurality of first and second grooves 110and 120 is stacked in a Z-axis direction.

Particularly, the first catalyst filter 100 includes a plurality ofhorizontal parts 410 and a plurality of vertical parts 415 and 425. Thehorizontal parts 410 are spaced apart from each other in the Z-axisdirection. Here, the Z-axis direction will be referred to as a verticaldirection for convenience of description. The horizontal parts 410 areparallel to each other in a Y-axis direction. A length of each of theplurality of horizontal parts 410 in the Y-axis direction may be thesame. The Y-axis direction may be a direction in which the resulting gas140 produced as a result of a catalyst reaction is discharged from thefirst catalyst filter 100. The Y-axis direction is perpendicular to theZ-axis direction. Here, for convenience of description, the Y-axisdirection is considered as a horizontal direction. The vertical parts415 and 425 are parallel to each other and are spaced apart from eachother in the Z-axis direction. The vertical parts 415 and 425 arearranged between the horizontal parts 410, alternately. The horizontalparts 410 are also alternately arranged between the vertical parts 415and 425. The horizontal parts 410 are connected to each other throughthe vertical parts 415 or 425 The vertical parts 415 and 425 areconnected to each other through the horizontal parts 410. The pluralityof vertical parts 415 and 425 includes a plurality of first verticalparts 415 and a plurality of second vertical parts 425. The plurality offirst vertical parts 415 and the plurality of second vertical parts 425are spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction. The firstvertical parts 415 are spaced apart from each other in the Z-axisdirection and are aligned side-by-side in the Z-axis direction. Thesecond vertical parts 425 are also spaced apart from each other in theZ-axis direction and are aligned side-by-side in the Z-axis direction.The plurality of first vertical parts 415 is located at a side (i.e.,the air inlet surface) where the material 130 enters. The plurality ofsecond vertical parts 425 is located at a side (i.e., the gas dischargesurface) where the gas 140 produced by the catalyst reaction isdischarged.

The plurality of horizontal parts 410 may be walls of the first andsecond grooves 110 and 120. That is, the horizontal parts 410 are eachlocated between the first groove 110 and the second groove 120 and thusbecome a boundary of each of the first and second grooves 110 and 120.The walls denote side walls of the first and second grooves 110 and 120.Thicknesses of the horizontal parts 410 in the Z-axis direction may bethe same or may be different from each other in some portions. Thethickness of each of the plurality of horizontal parts 410 may be thesame with thickness of each of the plurality of vertical parts 415 and425 or may be different from the thicknesses of the plurality ofvertical parts 415 and 425. The horizontal parts 410 which become theside walls of the first grooves 110 are spaced apart from each other ata first distance D1 in the Z-axis direction. The first distance D1 maybe a diameter of an inlet of the first groove 110. The horizontal parts410 which become the side walls of the second grooves 120 are spacedapart from each other by a second distance D2 in the Z-axis direction.The second distance D2 may be a diameter of an inlet of the secondgroove 120. In one embodiment, the first and second distances D1 and D2may be the same. That is, diameters of inlets of the first and secondgrooves 110 and 120 may be the same. Y-axis lengths L1 of the pluralityof horizontal parts 410 may be the same. Depths of the first and secondgrooves 110 and 120 in the Y-axis direction may be determined by theY-axis lengths L1 of the horizontal parts 410. Therefore, the depths ofthe first and second grooves 110 and 120 may be the same. In someembodiments, the depth of the first groove 110 and the depth of thesecond groove 120 may be different from each other. Inner parts of theplurality of first vertical parts 415 may be bottom surfaces 120B of thesecond grooves 120. Inner parts of the plurality of second verticalparts 425 may be bottom surfaces 110B of the first grooves 110. An airpermeability of the bottom surfaces 110B of the first grooves 110 and anair permeability of the bottom surfaces 120B of the second grooves 120may be different from each other. The bottom surfaces 120B of the secondgrooves 120 may have a configuration that blocks a gaseous material. Adiameter D11 of the first vertical part 415 and a diameter D22 of thesecond vertical part 425 may be the same. Y-axis direction thicknessesof the first and second vertical parts 415 and 425 may be the same. Thediameter D11 of the first vertical part 415 may be greater than thesecond distance D2, and the diameter D22 of the second vertical part 425may be greater than the first distance D1.

In a case that the thickness of the horizontal part 410 in the Z-axisdirection is negligible compared to the first and second distances D1and D2, as shown in FIG. 2A, a size (i.e., area in a plane defined bythe X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction) of the inlet of the firstgroove 110 and a size of the first surface 120S between the firstgrooves 110 may be substantially the same. Also, a size of the inlet ofthe second groove 120 and a size of the second surface 110S between thesecond grooves 120 may be substantially the same. That is, the firstgroove 110 and the first surface 120S may be substantially symmetricalto each other, and the second groove 120 and the second surface 110S maybe substantially symmetrical to each other in their shapes in a frontview.

On the other hand, in a case that the thickness of the horizontal part410 in the Z-axis direction is not negligible compared to the first andsecond distances D1 and D2, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 4, when the size ofthe inlet of the first groove 110 is the same as the size of the bottomsurface 120B of the second groove 120, the size of the inlet of thefirst groove 110 may be smaller than the size of the first surface 120S.When the size of the inlet of the second groove 120 is the same as thesize of the bottom surfaces 110B of the first groove 110, the size ofinlet of the second groove 120 may be smaller than that of the secondsurface 110S.

The plurality of horizontal parts 410 and the plurality of verticalparts 415 and 425 are connected to form a single body which may be amaterial layer of ceramic type formed of or include the same catalystmaterial. The catalyst material may vary according to a type of energysupplied to the first catalyst filter 100 for activation of the catalystmaterial.

In one embodiment, when the energy supplied to the first catalyst filter100 is an optical energy, the catalyst material may be a metal compoundthat may generate a photo-catalyst reaction, and examples of the metalcompound may be TiO₂ or WO₃. The photo energy may include ultravioletenergy or visible light energy.

In another embodiment, when the energy supplied to the first catalystfilter 100 is an electric energy of direct current (“DC”) or alternatingcurrent (“AC”), the catalyst material may be a metal compound thatallows an oxygen reduction reaction (“ORR”) of an electric conductivityat the plurality of horizontal parts 410 and the plurality of verticalparts 415 and 425. Here, the metal compound may be a compound containinga metal such as cobalt, nickel, or manganese or may include a noblemetal oxide.

In other embodiments, when the energy supplied to the first catalystfilter 100 is an ion energy, the catalyst material may be a metalcompound that allows ozone oxidation, and examples of the metal compoundmay include MnO₂ or ZnO₂. For example, the ion energy may be a plasmaenergy.

In some embodiments, when the energy supplied to the first catalystfilter 100 is a thermal energy, the catalyst material may be a metalcompound that allows a low-temperature oxidation reaction. In oneembodiment, the metal compound may be a compound containing Cu, Co, Ni,Fe, Al, Si, or a noble metal. The low-temperature oxidation reactiondenotes an oxidation reaction that occurs in a temperature range of roomtemperature to 100 degrees Celsius (° C.). For example, the thermalenergy may include an infrared energy or an energy supplied from a heatsource such as a heater.

At least the horizontal parts 410 are activated by the energy suppliedto the first catalyst filter 100, and a part of the whole vertical parts415 and 425 may further be activated. As a result, a part (region) ofthe first catalyst filter 100 to which the energy is supplied may becomea catalyst layer or may serve as a catalyst layer. The energy may besupplied to side walls or a bottom surface of the second groove 120. Agas component included in the material 130 may generate a catalystreaction (e.g., by reacting with oxygen when an optical energy issupplied to the material 130) while passing through the catalyst layerand may be decomposed. The gas component may be a volatile organiccompound (“VOC”) or anther harmful gas. Examples of the VOC may beformaldehyde, acetaldehyde, ammonia, toluene, or acetic acid.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of an embodiment of a first part A1 of thehorizontal part 410 in FIG. 4.

Referring to FIG. 5, the horizontal part 410 defines pores 410A. In oneembodiment, the vertical parts 415 and 425 may not define pores.

In another embodiment, the vertical parts 415 and 425 may define pores,but a pore density of the vertical parts 415 and 425 may be lower thanthat of the horizontal parts 410.

In other embodiments, the first vertical parts 415 may define pores, andthe second vertical parts 425 may not define pores.

In some embodiments, the first and second vertical parts 415 and 425 maydefine pores, and a pore density of the second vertical parts 425 may belower than that of the first vertical parts 415. Due to the differentpore density, air permeabilities of the first vertical parts 415 and thesecond vertical parts 425 may be different from each other.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of another embodiment of the first part A1 ofthe horizontal part 410 of FIG. 4.

Referring to FIG. 6, the horizontal part 410 may define pores 410A. Afirst catalyst layer 470 is disposed on a surface 410S of the horizontalpart 410 to which energy is supplied. The first catalyst layer 470covering the surface 410S is a material layer that is formed separatelyfrom the horizontal part 410 and may be different from the material ofthe horizontal part 410. For example, when the horizontal part 410 isformed of or include a first catalyst material, the first catalyst layer470 may be formed of or include a second catalyst material that isdifferent from the first catalyst material in the content of thematerial. In one embodiment, when the horizontal part 410 is a catalystmaterial that may be activated by a certain type of energy (e.g., athermal energy) selected from the four types of energies describedabove, the first catalyst layer 470 may be formed of or include acatalyst material that may be activated by another type of energy (e.g.,an optical energy) of the four types of energies that is different fromthe selected energy activating the horizontal part 410. In other words,the type of energy activating the horizontal part 410 and the type ofenergy activating the first catalyst layer 470 may be different fromeach other. Therefore, when the first catalyst layer 470 is provided,two different types of energies may be supplied simultaneously to thefirst catalyst filter 100.

FIG. 7 shows a recyclable ceramic catalyst filter 600 (hereinafter, alsoreferred to as “a second catalyst filter 600”) according to anotherembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7, a second catalyst filter 600 includes a pluralityof first grooves 610 and a plurality of first surfaces 620S. Airentering the second catalyst filter 600 is discharged through the secondgrooves 615. The first grooves 610 are arranged at regular intervals.The first grooves 610 are horizontally and vertically spaced apart fromeach other. The first surfaces 620S are each located between the firstgrooves 610. Four first surfaces 620S are arranged around one firstgroove 610. Four first grooves 610 are arranged around one first surface620S. The first surfaces 620S are arranged at a regular interval. Thefirst surfaces 620S are horizontally and vertically spaced apart fromeach other. The first grooves 610 contact each other in a diagonaldirection (i.e., direction perpendicular to the Y-axis direction andinclined to the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction), but thefirst surfaces 620S are spaced apart from each other in the diagonaldirection. A size of the inlet of the first groove 610 is larger thanthat of the first surface 620S. A diameter 610D of an inlet of the firstgroove 610 is larger than a diameter 620D of the first surface 620S.Therefore, the first groove 610 and the first surface 620S areasymmetrical to each other. A shape of the first groove 610 and a shapeof the first surface 620S may be different from each other. Each of thefirst grooves 610 may have an overall square shape, specifically asquare with four chamfered corners in a front view. In other words, theshape of the first grooves 610 in the front view is an octagon in whicha length of every other side is shorter than a length of each of theother sides. The first surface 620S is a square.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the second catalyst filter 600 ofFIG. 7 taken along line 8-8′.

Referring to FIG. 8, the second catalyst filter 600 includes theplurality of first grooves 610 that are sequentially stacked in theZ-axis direction. Also, the second catalyst filter 600 includes aplurality of second grooves 615 that are sequentially stacked in theZ-axis direction. The plurality of first grooves 610 and the pluralityof second grooves 615 are alternatively stacked in the Z-axis direction.The plurality of first grooves 610 and the plurality of second grooves615 are formed in directions opposite to each other. That is, inlets ofthe plurality of first grooves 610 and inlets of the plurality of secondgrooves 615 face opposite directions from each other. The inlets of thefirst grooves 610 face a (−) direction of the Y-axis, which is adirection in which air 650 enters. On the other hand, the inlets of thesecond grooves 615 face a (+) direction of the Y-axis, which is adirection in which air 650 flows out. A diameter of the first groove 610decreases along the (+) direction of the Y-axis. Whereas, a diameter ofthe second groove 615 increases along the (+) direction of the Y-axis. Adiameter 615D of the inlet of the second groove 615 and a diameter 610Dof the inlet of the first groove 610 may be the same or different fromeach other. A length 610L of the first groove 610 and a length 615L ofthe second groove 615 may be the same or different from each other. Theplurality of first grooves 610 and the plurality of second grooves 615are divided by a single body frame 645. That is, the single body frame645 exists between the first grooves 610 and the second grooves 615. Thesingle body frame 645 may be formed of or include the same material ofthe first catalyst filter 100. The single body frame 645 includes aplurality of vertical parts 620 and 625 and a plurality of inclinedparts 630 and 635. The parts 620, 625, 630, and 635 are connected toeach other and thus form a continuous (i.e., monolithic) body.Therefore, there is no boundary between the parts 620, 625, 630, and635. The plurality of vertical parts 620 and 625 exists between theplurality of inclined parts 630 and 635. The plurality of inclined parts630 and 635 is disposed between the plurality of vertical parts 620 and625. The vertical parts 620 and 625 are parallel to the Z-axisdirection. The vertical parts 620 are spaced apart in the Z-axisdirection. The vertical parts 625 are spaced apart in the Z-axisdirection. The first vertical part 620 and the second vertical parts 625are spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction. The inclinedparts 630 and 635 are also spaced apart from each other in the Z-axisdirection. The plurality of second vertical parts 625 becomes bottoms ofthe first grooves 610. The plurality of first vertical parts 620 becomesbottoms of the second grooves 615. An air permeability of the bottoms ofthe first grooves 610 and an air permeability of the bottoms of thesecond grooves 615 may be different from each other. The bottoms of thesecond grooves 615 may block a flow of a gaseous material. A pluralityof first surfaces 620S at an air-entering side of the plurality of firstvertical parts 620 is parallel to a plurality of second surfaces 625S ofthe plurality of second vertical parts 625 in the Z-axis direction. Asize of the first surface 620S and a size of the second surface 625S maybe the same.

The plurality of inclined parts 630 and 635 may include a plurality offirst inclined parts 630 having a positive slope and a plurality ofsecond inclined parts 635 having a negative slope with respect to theY-axis. The first inclined parts 630 are parallel to each other and arespaced apart from each other. The second inclined parts 635 are alsoparallel to each other and are spaced apart from each other. The firstinclined part 630 and the second inclined part 635 may be symmetricalwith respect to the Y-axis. The first inclined parts 630 and the secondinclined parts 635 are inclined side walls of the first grooves 610.Also, the first inclined parts 630 and the second inclined parts 635 areinclined side walls of the second grooves 615. A distance between thefirst inclined part 630 and the second inclined part 635 that form sidewalls of the first groove 610 decreases along the (+) direction of theY-axis. A distance between the first inclined part 630 and the secondinclined part 635 that form side walls of the second groove 615decreases along the (+) direction of the Y-axis. The first and secondvertical parts 620 and 625 and the second inclined part 635 existbetween the plurality of first inclined parts 630.

Configurations of a second part A2 and a third part A3 of the singlebody frame 645 may be the same with the first part A1 shown in FIG. 5 orFIG. 6. That is, the plurality of first inclined parts 630 and theplurality of second inclined parts 635 may include pores. Also, aseparate catalyst layer may be further prepared on surfaces of theplurality of first and second inclined parts 630 and 635 through whichair flows out, i.e., on side walls and bottoms of the second grooves615. A material of the prepared catalyst layer may be different from thematerial of the single body frame 645. Regarding a shape of the singlebody frame 645, the single body frame 645 may include a plurality ofparts projecting in the (+) direction of the Y-axis or may include aplurality of parts projecting in the (−) direction of the Y-axis.

FIG. 9 shows a recyclable ceramic catalyst filter 800 (hereinafter, alsoreferred to as “a third catalyst filter 800”) according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 9 is a modified example of the second catalyst filter 600 of FIG.8.

Referring to FIG. 9, the third catalyst filter 800 includes a singlebody frame 805 and includes a plurality of first grooves 830 and aplurality of second grooves 840 that are defined by the single bodyframe 805. A shape of the single body frame 805 may be the same withthat of the single body frame 645 of FIG. 8 except for the plurality ofvertical parts 620 and 625. That is, the single body frame 805 mayinclude a plurality of first inclined parts 810 and a plurality ofsecond inclined parts 820 and does not include vertical parts thatconnect the first and second inclined parts 810 and 820. In the singlebody frame 805, one end of the first inclined part 810 and one end ofthe second inclined part 820 are connected directly, and the other endof the first inclined part 810 and the other end of the second inclinedpart 820 are spaced apart from each other. A distance between the firstand second inclined parts 810 and 820 that form inclined side walls ofthe first groove 830 decreases further along the (+) direction of theY-axis. As a result, a diameter of the first groove 830 in the frontview decreases further along the (+) direction of the Y-axis, and thus ashape of the first groove 830 is a wedge. Inclined side walls of thesecond groove 840 consist of the first and second inclined parts 810 and820, where one end of the first inclined part 810 and one end of thesecond inclined part 820 are connected directly, and the other end ofthe first inclined part 810 and the other end of the second inclinedpart 820 are spaced apart from each other. A distance between the firstand second inclined parts 810 and 820 that form the inclined side wallsof the second groove 840 increases further along the (+) direction ofthe Y-axis. Accordingly, a diameter of the second groove 840 increasesfurther along the (+) direction of the Y-axis. Therefore, a shape of thesecond groove 840 is also a wedge, but a direction of the wedge isdirect opposite from that of the first groove 830.

The third catalyst filter 800 may be the same as the second catalystfilter 600 of FIG. 7, except that the vertical parts 620 and 625 of thesingle body frame 645 are removed from the second catalyst filter 600and that parts of the inclined parts 630 and 635 which would beconnected to the vertical parts 620 and 625 in FIG. 7 are directlyconnected to each other.

In FIG. 9, a size of an inlet of the first groove 830 at a side whereair enters may be the same with a size of an inlet of the second groove840 at a side through which the air is discharged. However, in someembodiments, a size of an inlet of the first groove 830 and a size of aninlet of the second groove 840 may be different from each other.Configurations of a fourth part A4 and a fifth part A5 of the singlebody frame 805 may be the same as the first part A1 shown in FIG. 5 orFIG. 6. That is, the plurality of first inclined parts 810 and theplurality of second inclined parts 820 may include pores 410A. Also, aseparate catalyst layer may be further prepared on surfaces of theplurality of first and second inclined parts 810 and 820 through whichair flows out, i.e., on side walls of the second grooves 840. Here, amaterial of the prepared catalyst layer may be different from thematerial of the single body frame 805.

FIG. 10 shows a first filtering system 1000 including the recyclableceramic catalyst filter, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10, the first filtering system 1000 includes a firstcatalyst filter 100 and an energy supply device 900. The energy supplydevice 900 generates an energy 910 that activates a surface of the firstcatalyst filter 100 through which air is discharged, i.e., a surfacethat is directly exposed to the energy 910 supplied from the energysupply device 900. The energy 910 generated from the energy supplydevice 900 is irradiated to a side wall 110A and a bottom surface 1108of a second groove 120 of the first catalyst filter 100. Surfaces of theside wall 110A and bottom surface 1108 of the second groove 120 to whichthe energy 910 is irradiated are activated, and thus a catalyst layer410B is formed on the side wall 110A and bottom surface 1108 of thesecond groove 120 and the second surface 110S. The catalyst layer 410Bmay be a layer or region that is activated by energy irradiation of theside wall 110A and bottom surface 1108 of the second groove 120 and thesecond surface 110S.

In the first filtering system 1000 having the mechanism described above,a filtering process of a first material 920 and a second material 930,i.e., a process of removing the first material 920 and the secondmaterial 930 entering into the first catalyst filter 100, will bedescribed. The first material 920 may include a particulate material.For example, the first material 920 may include particles. The particlesmay be, for example, particles having a particle diameter of about 10micrometers (μm) or less, that is, fine particles of particulate matter10 (PM10) or lower. The fine particles may include, for example, finedust (i.e., micro-dust). The second material 930 may include a gaseousmaterial, and examples of the gaseous material may include the VOC asdescribed above. The second material 930 may include an organiccompound. The first material 920 may not penetrate a horizontal part410, which is a wall between the first and second grooves 110 and 120and may not penetrate first and second vertical parts 415 and 425, andthus may accumulate on a wall of the first groove 110. Side walls and abottom of the first groove 110 and a first surface 120S of the firstvertical part 415 may all be referred to as a first surface of the firstcatalyst filter 100 that filters out the first material 920.

In the first catalyst filter 100, at least the horizontal part 410 maybe a porous material layer that includes pores 410A. Therefore, thegaseous second material 930 may flow into the second groove 120 at leastthrough the horizontal part 410, i.e., the side wall of the first groove110. During this process, the second material 930 may generate acatalyst reaction as it passes the catalyst layer 410B and thus may bedecomposed. For example, when the second material 930 includesformaldehyde (“HCHO”), the formaldehyde and oxygen in the second groove120 may generate a catalyst reaction as the second material 930 passesthe catalyst layer 410B and thus may be decomposed into water and carbondioxide (CO₂). In this regard, the formaldehyde may be removed.

The energy supply device 900 may include an optical energy source thatsupplies photo energy in the form of light in a wavelength band fromultraviolet light to visible light, an ion energy source that suppliesplasma, or a thermal energy source that supplies thermal energy in theform of infrared light. When the plasma is supplied from the energysupply device 900, the second material 930 and ozone in the secondgroove 120 may generate a catalyst reaction and thus may be decomposed.

FIG. 11 shows a second filtering system 1100 including the recyclableceramic catalyst filter, according to another embodiment. Only partsdifferent from the first filtering system 1000 of FIG. 10 will bedescribed.

Referring to FIG. 11, the second filtering system 1100 includes a secondcatalyst filter 600 and an energy supply device 900. A second groove 615of the second catalyst filter 600 faces the energy supply device 900. Aninlet of the second groove 615 faces the energy supply device 900, and adiameter of the second groove 615 increases further along the (+)direction of the Y-axis. That is, a diameter of the second groove 615increases further along toward the energy supply device 900.Accordingly, inner, side walls of the second groove 615 may all beexposed to an energy 910 supplied from the energy supply device 900. Asa result, a surface of the second catalyst filter 600 facing the energysupply device 900 may be activated and thus form a catalyst layer 630Athereon. Therefore, the second material 930 passing the surface of thesecond catalyst filter 600 facing the energy supply device 900 maygenerate a catalyst reaction and thus be decomposed. In this regard, thesurface of the second catalyst filter 600 facing the energy supplydevice 900, i.e., side walls and bottom of the second groove 615 and asecond surface 625S of a second vertical part 625, may all be referredto as a second surface of the second catalyst filter 600 that removesthe second material 930 or that changes the second material 930.

In the second filtering system 1100, a surface area of the surface ofthe second catalyst filter 600 facing the energy supply device 900 isrelatively larger than a surface area of the first catalyst filter 100,and thus a surface area of the catalyst layer 630A formed in the secondfiltering system 1100 may be relatively larger than that of the firstfiltering system 1000. Accordingly, a filtering efficiency of the secondfiltering system 1100 may be relatively higher than that of the firstfiltering system 1000.

FIG. 12 shows a third filtering system 1200 including the recyclableceramic catalyst filter, according to another embodiment. Only partsdifferent from the second filtering system 1100 of FIG. 11 will bedescribed.

Referring to FIG. 12, the third filtering system 1200 includes a thirdcatalyst filter 800 and an energy supply device 900. Configuration ofthe third filtering system 1200 may be the same as the second filteringsystem 1100 of FIG. 11, except that one end of the first inclined part810 and one end of the second inclined part 820 contact each otherdirectly. Inner side walls of a second groove 840 are all exposed to anenergy 910 supplied from the energy supply device 910 in the same manneras in the second groove 615 of the second filtering system 1100.Accordingly, the inclined side walls of the second groove 840 areactivated and thus may form a catalyst layer 1210 on the side walls.

FIG. 13 shows a fourth filtering system 1300 according to anotherembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 13, the fourth filtering system 1300 includes a firstcatalyst filter 100 and a heating member 1310 surrounding the firstcatalyst filter 100. The heating member 1310 may cover the firstcatalyst filter 100 along an outer surface of the first catalyst filter100. The heating member 1310 may include, for example, a heater thatsupplies heat to the inside of the first catalyst filter 100. Thecatalyst layer 410B as shown in FIG. 10 may be formed on an innersurface of the second groove 120 of the first catalyst filter 100 by theheat supplied from the heating member 1310.

FIG. 14 shows a fifth filtering system 1400 according to anotherembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 14, the fifth filtering system 1400 includes a secondcatalyst filter 600 and a heating member 1410 surrounding the secondcatalyst filter 600. The heating member 1410 may be the same as ordifferent from the heating member 1310 in FIG. 13. A thermal energy 1420is supplied to the inside of the second catalyst filter 600 by theheating member 1410. The catalyst layer 630A as shown in FIG. 11 may beformed on side walls and bottom of the second groove 615 due to thethermal energy 1420.

FIG. 15 shows a sixth filtering system 1500 according to anotherembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 15, the sixth filtering system 1500 may include afirst catalyst filter 100 and an anode 1510 that is electricallyconnected to the first catalyst filter 100. The first catalyst filter100 may serve as a cathode. Here, the first catalyst filter 100 may beformed of or include a metal oxide that allows an electricallyconductive ORR reaction. During the filtering process, electrons aresupplied to the first catalyst filter 100 from the anode 1510, and thisactivates side walls of the second groove 120, which results a catalystreaction. In some embodiments, a separate cathode layer that covers theside walls in the second groove 120 may be prepared.

FIG. 16 shows a seventh filtering system 1600 according to anotherembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 16, configurations of the seventh filtering system1600 are the same as the sixth filtering system 1500, except that theseventh filtering system 1600 uses a second catalyst filter 600 insteadof the first catalyst filter 100.

FIG. 17 shows an eighth filtering system 1700 according to anotherembodiment. FIG. 17 illustrates an example of using multiple energysources.

Referring to FIG. 17, the eighth filtering system 1700 includes acatalyst filter 1710, an energy supply device 900, and a heating member1720. The catalyst filter 1710 may be one selected from the first tothird catalyst filters 100, 600, and 800 described above. Here, aconfiguration of the single body frame (e.g., 645 in FIG. 8) of theselected catalyst filter may have the separate catalyst layer 470 shownin FIG. 6. Here, the catalyst layer 470 may be a photo-catalyst layer,and the single body frame 645 may be a thermal catalyst layer thatgenerates a catalyst reaction by heat. The heating member 1720 isdisposed along an outer surface of the catalyst filter 1710 and coversthe catalyst filter 1710. The heating member 1720 may be the same as theheating member 1410 described in regard to FIG. 14.

During the filtering process, an optical energy 1730 is supplied to thecatalyst filter 1710 from the energy supply device 900, and at the sametime the heat from the heating member 1720 may be supplied to thecatalyst filter 1710. In this regard, the catalyst layer 470 isactivated by the optical energy 1730, and the single body frame 645 maybe activated by the thermal energy supplied from the heating member1720.

Hereinafter, a method of managing a filtering system including therecyclable ceramic catalyst filter according to an embodiment(hereinafter, also referred to as “a first management method”) will bedescribed.

Referring to FIG. 18, the first management method, first, detects apressure change of the filtering system (S1). The filtering system mayinclude one selected from the filtering systems shown in FIGS. 10 to 17.Next, once the pressure change is detected, when a pressure decrease isgreater than the predetermined value, an operation of the filteringsystem ceases (S2). Here, ceasing the operation may include ceasing theentire operation by turning the power of the filtering system off andceasing only the filtering operation while maintaining a basicpre-operation (e.g., a simple fan operation) of the filtering system.Also, the pressure decrease may denote a pressure decrease on a side(i.e., the gas discharge surface) where air of the ceramic catalystfilter is discharged. The detecting of the pressure change may includedetecting a pressure difference between an air inlet and an air outletof the catalyst filter. Based on the pressure difference, when thepressure difference is greater than or equal to the reference value,e.g., 250 pascals (Pa), the filtering system may be ceased.

After ceasing the filtering system, the ceramic catalyst filter isseparated from the filtering system (S3). Thereafter, the separatedceramic catalyst filter is washed (S4). When an amount of theparticulate first material 920 accumulates on the side walls and bottomof the groove (e.g., the first groove 610 in FIG. 11) on the air inletside of the ceramic catalyst filter is greater than or equal to thereference amount, the pressure may decrease or the pressure differencemay increase to higher than or equal to the reference value. Thus, inthe washing (S4), the separated ceramic catalyst filter may be washed byusing water or other predetermined solvent or solution to remove theaccumulation or a particle cake on the catalyst filter.

After the washing of the ceramic catalyst filter, the washed ceramiccatalyst filter is re-disposed on the filtering system (S5).

Hereinafter, a method of managing a filtering system including therecyclable ceramic catalyst filter according to another embodiment(hereinafter, also referred to as “a second management method”) will bedescribed.

Referring to FIG. 19, the second management method, first, activates onesurface of a ceramic catalyst filter in the filtering system into acatalyst layer (S11). In the activating of the one surface of theceramic catalyst filter (S11), a process of forming a catalyst layer onone surface of the ceramic catalyst filter may be performed by supplyingan energy to the catalyst filter (e.g., 600 in FIG. 11) from the energysupply device 900 as described above.

Then, when the ceramic catalyst filter reaches a first condition, theceramic catalyst filter separated and washed (S22). The first conditionmay be a condition described in relation to the pressure in thedescription of FIG. 18. After the washing of the ceramic catalystfilter, the washed ceramic catalyst filter is disposed to the originalplace (S33).

The disclosed ceramic catalyst filter forms a single body frame or amonolithic structure formed of or includes a catalyst material.Therefore, the disclosed ceramic catalyst filter does not need aseparate support. Also, a single body filter frame in the disclosedceramic catalyst filter has a wall-flow structure that filters particlesamong materials enter the catalyst filter and allows a gaseous component(e.g., VOC) to penetrate. In the process of the gaseous componentpassing the catalyst filter, energy is supplied to the catalyst filter,and a catalyst layer is formed on the catalyst filter by the energy.While the gaseous component passes the catalyst layer, the gaseouscomponent is decomposed due to a catalyst reaction. As a result,according to one or more embodiments, when the catalyst filter is used,particle components along with a gaseous component such as VOC in theair may be simultaneously removed.

Also, when the disclosed ceramic catalyst filter is used, the removedparticulate materials are accumulated on the side of inlets of thecatalyst filter, and the particulate materials may impede a flow of thegaseous component. Therefore, the accumulated particulate materials needto be removed. In the disclosed catalyst filter, the filter frame itselfis formed of or include a catalyst material, and thus the particulatematerials accumulated on the catalyst filter may be simply removed bywashing with a cleaning agent such as water. The catalyst filter fromwhich the particulate materials are removed may be used again.

As described above, the disclosed ceramic catalyst filter may be usedrepeatedly, and thus it can reduce the consumption cost, reduce theresource consumption, and may be easily washed with a solvent or asolution such as water, thereby facilitating management.

It should be understood that embodiments described herein should beconsidered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within each embodimentshould typically be considered as available for other similar featuresor aspects in other embodiments. While one or more embodiments have beendescribed with reference to the figures, it will be understood by thoseof ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and detailsmay be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope asdefined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A catalyst filter having a monolithic structure,the catalyst filter comprising: a first surface which blocks a firstmaterial; and a second surface which removes a second material thatpasses through the first surface, wherein the second surface is a partthat is activated and functions as a catalyst layer which removes thesecond material in response to energy supplied to the second surface. 2.The catalyst filter of claim 1, wherein the monolithic structure isporous.
 3. The catalyst filter of claim 1, wherein an entirety of themonolithic structure includes a same catalyst material.
 4. The catalystfilter of claim 1, wherein the first and second surfaces each comprisesurfaces that are vertically or horizontally parallel to each other withrespect to a side of the catalyst filter through which the first andsecond materials enter.
 5. The catalyst filter of claim 1, wherein thesecond surface further comprises a second catalyst layer.
 6. Thecatalyst filter of claim 1, wherein the monolithic structure comprises:a plurality of first grooves having an inlet at a side through which thefirst and second materials enter; and a plurality of second grooveshaving an inlet at a side through which the second material isdischarged.
 7. The catalyst filter of claim 1, wherein the firstmaterial comprises micro-dust, and the second material comprises avolatile organic compound.
 8. The catalyst filter of claim 3, whereinthe catalyst material is a photo-catalyst material, and the secondsurface is activated by an optical energy.
 9. The catalyst filter ofclaim 3, wherein the catalyst material is an electric catalyst material,and the second surface is activated by an electric energy.
 10. Thecatalyst filter of claim 3, wherein the catalyst material is an ioncatalyst material, and the second surface is activated by an ion energy.11. The catalyst filter of claim 3, wherein the catalyst material is athermal catalyst material, and the second surface is activated by athermal energy.
 12. The catalyst filter of claim 3, wherein the catalystmaterial is a metal compound.
 13. The catalyst filter of claim 5,wherein the second catalyst layer is a catalyst layer that is activatedby a first type of energy different from a second type of energy that isirradiated to the second surface.
 14. The catalyst filter of claim 6,wherein a bottom surface of the second groove is disposed between inletsof the first grooves, and a bottom surface of the first groove isdisposed between inlets of the second grooves.
 15. The catalyst filterof claim 6, wherein an area of the inlet of the first groove and an areaof the bottom surface of the second groove are different from eachother.
 16. The catalyst filter of claim 6, wherein air permeability ofthe bottom surface of the first groove and air permeability of thebottom surface of the second groove are different from each other. 17.The catalyst filter of claim 6, wherein the bottom surface of the firstgroove has a configuration that blocks the second material.
 18. Thecatalyst filter of claim 6, wherein an area of the inlet of the secondgroove is larger than an area of the bottom surface of the first groove.19. The catalyst filter of claim 6, wherein an area of the inlet of thesecond groove is equal to an area of the bottom surface of the firstgroove.
 20. The catalyst filter of claim 6, wherein a diameter of thefirst groove decreases toward the bottom surface from the inlet of thefirst groove, and a diameter of the second groove decreases toward thebottom surface from the inlet of the second groove.
 21. The catalystfilter of claim 6, wherein a diameter of one of the first and secondgrooves decreases toward the bottom surface from the inlet of the onegroove.
 22. The catalyst filter of claim 6, wherein a wall between thefirst groove and the second groove has air permeability and allows thesecond material to permeate through the wall.
 23. The catalyst filter ofclaim 6, wherein the first and second grooves have each a wedge shape.24. The catalyst filter of claim 22, wherein the air permeability isconstant at an entirety of the wall or changes along a predetermineddirection in the wall.
 25. A filtering system comprising: the catalystfilter of claim 1; and an energy supply device which supplies energy forcatalyst activation in the catalyst filter.
 26. The filtering system ofclaim 25, wherein the energy supply device comprises an optical energysource.
 27. The filtering system of claim 25, wherein the energy supplydevice comprises an electric energy source.
 28. The filtering system ofclaim 25, wherein the energy supply device comprises an ion energysource.
 29. The filtering system of claim 25, wherein the energy supplydevice comprises a thermal energy source.
 30. The filtering system ofclaim 25, wherein the energy supply device is configured to supply twotypes of energies from among photo energy, electric energy, ion energy,and thermal energy.
 31. A method of managing a filtering system, themethod comprising: activating one surface of a catalyst filter tooperate as a catalyst layer; separating the catalyst filter from thefiltering system and washing the catalyst filter, based on determiningthat a first condition with regard to the catalyst filter is satisfied;and arranging the washed catalyst filter at an original location. 32.The method of claim 31, wherein the activating of the one surfacecomprises supplying energy to the one surface of the catalyst filter.33. The method of claim 31, wherein the first condition comprises acondition that a pressure difference in predetermined two points of thecatalyst filter is at least about 250 pascals (Pa).
 34. The method ofclaim 31, wherein the catalyst filter is the catalyst filter of claim 1.35. The method of claim 32, wherein the supplying of the energy to theone surface comprises supplying an optical energy to the one surface.36. The method of claim 32, wherein the supplying of the energy to theone surface comprises supplying an electric energy to the one surface.37. The method of claim 32, wherein the supplying of the energy to theone surface comprises supplying ion energy to the one surface.
 38. Themethod of claim 32, wherein the supplying of the energy to the onesurface comprises supplying a thermal energy to the one surface.
 39. Themethod of claim 31 further comprising preparing a second catalyst layeron the one surface.
 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the secondcatalyst layer is activated in a manner different from the activating ofthe one surface of the catalyst filter.